The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Monday, November 14, 2011

francine from pickens, SC (pop. 18,112) says:
this is the pie i won the nc state grand prize apple cook off with . is looks like alot of a steps but its more simple than it sounds

Cook time:

1 Hr

Difficulty:

MEDIUM

Prep time:

20 Min

Serves:

8

INGREDIENTS

- 2 store bought pie crust

- 6 c cored and sliced apples

- 1 1/2 c pecan halfs

- 1 stk butter, softened

- 1 1/8 tsp cinnamon, ground

- 1/2 tsp nutmeg

- 1 1/2 c brownsugar

- 1/2 c white sugar

- 2 Tbsp lemon juice, fresh

- 3 Tbsp all purpose flour

- 1 Tbsp apple pie spice

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. rub soft butter on bottom and sides of deep dish pie pan , place pecans round side down till cover whole inside of pan, spread brown sugar till all nuts are covered , place one pie crust on top of nuts press till forms the bottom of pan set aside

2. in bowl place lemon juice, flour, white sugar, spices, vanilla mix well, add sliced apples and toss till coated, pour into piecrust making as even as u can cover with other pie crust, fold over sides crimp together dont worry about looks this is the bottom of your pie poke holes at random with fork for steam

3. place in 450 oven for 10 mins reduce heat to 350 for 45 mins

4. remove from oven, let sit till the bubbling stops ( importiant = u must flip this over to serve while its still hot the pecans are the top of your pie should be very shiny and all pastry is covered serve warm with ice cream.

A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their froggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions.When they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and told the two frogs in the pit that they should prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead.
Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that the two frogs wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible.
The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead. The two frogs continued jumping as hard as they could, and after several hours of desperate effort were quite weary.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief.
The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, although his body was wracked with pain and he was completely exhausted. His companions began anew, yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder and -- wonder of wonders! Finally leapt so high that he sprang from the pit.
Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom and then gathering around him asked, "Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?"Reading their lips, the astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds.
This simple story contains a powerful lesson. - "There is life and death in the power of the tongue." Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying.
Speak life to (and about) those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words. If you have words of kindness, praise or encouragement -- speak them now to, and about, others. Listen to your heart and respond.
Someone, somewhere, is waiting for your words.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general? Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"? Often, the happiest people in the world don't have the best of everything . . . they just make the best ofeverything!! Get your cup of coffee, double click, and watch the following it will warm your heart: Life is like Coffee Movie

Diana Sorenson

Landlady22@aol.com

Hi, there! I'm Diana and I grew up on a little Iowa farm. I have so many memories of those "farm-fresh" days! I live in the city now so I guess that makes me a "city-farm-girl" but my heart is still in the country! As I "graze through life" I always look back to the many life lessons that I learned first hand from life on the farm.

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